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Attwood calls for public views on regeneration of Ballyclare

Friday, 18 June 2010

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today has called on the people of Ballyclare to give their views on proposals for the regeneration of the town centre.

The draft proposals include:

  • redesigning the west of the town square to include a major civic space;
  • creating a new pedestrian street connecting main street and the square with a new retail development;
  • developing unused backlands to the east of the town centre for leisure, retail and residential purposes;
  • enhancing commercial leisure provision;
  • improving links between Main Street and the Six mile Water Park and
  • creating new commercial development at the gateways to the town.

Alex Attwood said: “ This is a great opportunity for the people of Ballyclare to shape the future of their town centre. There has been significant and helpful public input to other masterplans and I have seen the value of this first hand. I hope the people in Ballyclare and the surrounding districts will participate in this process by viewing the proposals for the town and letting us know your views and opinions. The creation of a vibrant and welcoming town centre in Ballyclare will help us progress our shared vision for the future.”

Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Paula Bradley said, “These are exciting proposals for the regeneration of Ballyclare Town Centre and we hope we can turn this vision into a reality. The consultation period offers a chance for all users of the town centre to have their say in shaping the future of Ballyclare and I would encourage local residents and traders to attend the consultation open days.”

The draft proposals will be on public display for an eight week consultation period from Monday 28 June 2010 in Ballyclare Town Hall. Masterplan consultants, Department for Social Development or Newtownabbey Borough Council staff will be in attendance to discuss the proposals from 28 June to 2 July, 10.00a m – 4.30 pm.

A copy of the plans will be on display in the foyer of Newtownabbey Borough Council Offices at Mossley Mill throughout the consultation period. They will also be on the Department for Social Development (www.dsdni.gov.uk) and Newtownabbey Borough Council (www.newtownabbey.gov.uk) websites during the same period.

Notes to editors:

  1. The proposals form part of the masterplanning and have been produced by Scott Wilson Plc in association with Tribal (UK) Ltd and Colliers CRE.
  2. Funding for this part of the masterplan process has been provided by the Department for Social Development.
  3. The Department has worked closely with Newtownabbey Borough Council and local advisory groups, comprising statutory organisations and business representatives, to develop these concepts in conjunction with Scott Wilson Plc Consultants.
  4. Arrangements are being made with local community groups and stakeholders to discuss the proposals during the consultation period.
  5. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9078 / 078 7576 5455. Out of office please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.